Algeria 1-1 Cameroon Match Highlights (Cameroon's Moukandjo cancelled out Algeria's Soudani’s early opener.). #ALGCAM

Algeria's Hilal Soudani, who scored the opening goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Cameroon (DBM Staff)

Algeria were held to a 1-1 draw against Cameroon in their opening group game of the road to Russia after Moukandjo cancelled out Soudani’s early opener.

It was the perfect start for Algeria as they took the lead after just seven minutes. Riyad Mahrez’s corner was flicked on by Islam Slimani and Hilal Soudani was there at the far post to open the scoring.

Cameroon responded quickly and goalkeeper Rais M’bolhi tipped over Vincent Aboubakar’s dangerous dipping effort.

Match Highlights

The home side piled on the pressure though with Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez performing all sorts of tricks and causing all sorts of havoc down the right, but the Desert Foxes could not capitalise on their attacking play.

The Indomitable Lions levelled the scoring however in the 24th minute, with Benjamin Moukandjo slotting home through the legs of M’bolhi with a neat side-foot finish.

Mahrez came close again soon after as his left-footed curling effort was saved well by Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa. Saphir Taider also went close with a direct free-kick.

It was a slow start to the second half but chances were few and far between. Slimani latched onto a loose ball but he should have done better, allowing Ondoa to save with his right hand.

Algeria suffered a period of pressure though and with just twelve minutes remaining, Aboubakar forced M’bolhi into a fine save from close range.

Adlene Guedioura also tested the goalkeeper with a marvellous effort from thirty yards out which would have bulged the back of the net if it was not for yet another fantastic Ondoa save.

Elsewhere in the group, Nigeria beat Zambia 2-1 meaning that they lead the proceedings at this early stage of World Cup qualifying.